Nov. 22, 2013 - 06:00AM
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Two airmen first class who died in a vehicle crash Wednesday were assigned to the 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.

The base identified the airmen as Edward Yu and Abtron “Tron” O’Neal. Both were satellite vehicle operators and arrived at Schriever in September.

Yu and O’Neal were in a silver Scion on Highway 94 east of Colorado Springs when the driver swerved onto the opposite side of the highway to avoid a red couch in the center of the road, according to a preliminary police report. The Scion was struck broadside by an oncoming truck.

The accident occurred about 9:55 a.m. some seven miles from base. Yu and O’Neal died at the scene.

Colorado Springs police said Friday morning they are still investigating the crash and could not immediately say which man was driving the Scion. Speed did not appear to be a factor in the crash, said police spokeswoman Barbara Miller.

The driver of the truck was taken to a hospital with a leg fracture that required surgery, Miller said.

50th Space Wing commander Col. William Liquori said in an email statement that he wanted to express “heartfelt condolences to Airman Yu and Airman O’Neal’s families and friends, as well as the 3rd Space Operations Squadron family. This is a sad day for the Schriever family. The Air Force appreciates their service and commitment to our country. We will continue to provide assistance to their families. Edward and Tron will be missed.”

A memorial service is being planned at Schriever.

A board of Air Force officers and Colorado Department of Transportation officials are investigating the cause of the accident, the Air Force said. Police are asking anyone with information about how the couch ended up in the road to contact them.